The Bible And Naturism

The Bible and Naturism - The Bible is a great book because it gives us examples of what to do or not. If it does not give us examples of what to do or not, there are numerous principles that are applicable to our situation. For the case of nakedness, we have both examples and principles. There are specific examples of good nakedness (Gen 2:24, 1 Sam 19:24, Isa 20:1-3). In each of the preceding cases, the nakedness was either called good or commanded. Neutral examples of nakedness would be Peter at work (John 21:7), gardeners in the field (Matt 24:18) and numerous examples of people ripping their clothing as a sign of mourning including Jacob and Job. Those examples are neutral because the nudity there is just observed. Nothing else, good or bad, is said about the fact that they were naked. There are also cases of bad nakedness including David and Bathsheba (2 Sam 11), Noah (Genesis 9:20-7). The reason that the two above cases display bad nakedness is because sin is involved: David lusted in his heart, while watching Bathsheba, and acted on that lust; Noah was drunk and Ham dishonored his father by having homosexual relations with him. Scripture most definitely does show something like what we as naturists practice: Jesus with the disciples (John 13:8) and David dancing in the street at the return of the Ark of the Covenant (2 Sam 6:9-17).

In addition to examples of nakedness, we have principles involving our freedom as Christians, including Romans 14. In Christ, we have been given much freedom; we are not to use that freedom as a license to sin (Gal 5:13). However, the principle that we must remember is 1 Tim 4:3-4, which states that God made everything for our thanksgiving and enjoyment and should not reject any of it. The most important principle is that God has called our unclothed bodies good and it would be bad for us to say otherwise. (Isa 5:20)

In Genesis 3, (the Jewish Old Testament) the clothing that Adam and Eve wore was purely for physical protection and for no other purpose. Their clothing would protect Adam and Eve from the thorns & thistles that God placed in the ground in v.18. In the New Testament, we are commanded to give clothing to people who have none. The distinction must be drawn between making a choice (naturism) and clothing the naked people. The people with whom we are commanded to share clothing lack capability to make the choice. In Mark 7:20, Jesus said that it is from the heart that our lustful, and other sinful thoughts, arise and not from external sources.

In fact, Paul said, “these rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, humility, and severe bodily discipline. But they have no effect when it comes to conquering a person’s evil thoughts and desires” (Col 2:23). This means that clothing has no effect when it comes to dealing with our thoughts.

In conclusion, God called the naked body good and clothing was only given to protect us against a cursed world. The Bible also says that we should thank God for what He has given us; we don’t have the authority to call our bodies what He did not call them. Originally, clothing was given to protect Adam and Eve from the physical environment and the purpose of clothing today is still to do that. Clothing does not have the power to conquer our sinful lusts. Jesus Christ is the only one who can deal with our sin.

The Bible and Naturism

Young Naturists & Nudists America YNA

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(Guest Post By Melissa DejaNude)

Nudity In The Bible

Biblical Nudity – The Bible tells us about the origins of our world and why it is the way that we see it today. In the first 2 chapters, we read that God created the world and then called everything that He created very good. We know that Adam and Eve were nude at this point and that it was God’s intention for them to be nude. God gave them 1 prohibition: “Do not eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil”; He told them the results of eating of the fruit as well: they would die.

In chapter 3, the Father of lies convinces Adam and Eve that God was wrong and so they violate the prohibition. They notice they were nude and so they clothe themselves. God wants to fellowship and Adam is hiding because he was afraid because he was naked.

God did not clothe them at that point, verse 9; God clothes them after he curses the ground, Adam’s punishment, v.18; God does that for their physical protection from The Curse. With that as background, simple nudity is mostly neutral, stated as a observation without judgement.

Although simple nudity has been presented in a positive light, with Saul  and Isaiah, simple nudity has never been presented in a negative light; when it is cast in a negative light, another sin like homosexuality (Noah, Gen 9) or incest (Lot, Gen 19) or lust (David, 2 Sam 11) is present. The Bible may not present any specific examples of the simple nudity that we practice, but we know that evil thoughts come from our minds, not external sources (Mark 7:21-3) and that God created our bodies to be received with thanksgiving (1 Tim 4:4)

The crucial question about this lifestyle is did God’s view of His creation change at the fall?  If it did, then there is a moral reason for clothing. If it did not, then the reason for wearing clothing is only to protect us from getting hurt, in many cases by the environment. God can’t tempt us (James 1:12-15) and He commanded Isaiah to go naked (Isa 20:2); so that means that being naked is not a sin. So that means that we have the liberty in Christ to be nude.

Biblical Nudity

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Leading up the elections in America every couple of years, a poll is often taken that shows how atheists are the least-trusted people in the eyes of the voting public. As shown in the following graph of results from a 2007 Gallup poll, Americans are way more likely to vote for a presidential candidate who is black, Jewish or female than an atheist. 

Where’s “nudist” on there?

By the time I was in my early teens, I had figured out two things about myself – first, that I’m a nudist, and second, that I’m an atheist. From a time when many of the things we think we “know” about ourselves turn out to be passing phases, these two belief systems have stuck with me for over 20 years now and continue to inform my views on just about everything.

So it disappoints me that atheists are held in such low regard – at least in America. And for no real reason other than unfounded preconceptions. And it struck me for the first time this year how similar nudism and atheism are in terms of perception by outsiders.

Fatal Flaws

Both atheism and nudism are viewed as having one major fatal flaw. For atheism, it is the assumption that without religion a person does not have a “moral compass” to help tell the difference between what is right and what is wrong. For nudism, it is that nudity is equivalent to sex, and therefore any nudist activity leads inevitably to sex.

We know, of course, that this is not true for nudism. If it were, there would be a lot more sexual activity going on at nudist clubs, resorts, events and beaches. It is difficult to explain to non-nudists exactly why nudism does not equal sex. We just know by experience that it doesn’t.

The same applies to atheism – if all atheists lacked the moral compass supposedly provided by religion, it follows that a lot more of us would probably be in trouble with the law.

Different Strokes for Different Folks

While the basic concept of nudism seems quite straightforward, differences of opinion do exist among nudists as to how nudism should be practiced (“nudism” vs. “naturism”, etc.) and promoted. Atheists are similarly divided under a shared lack of belief in a god or gods.

Some of the division relates to what we should call ourselves. Many believe that the term “atheist” is either too vague or carries too much of a negative perception. There are several substitute terms that atheists use, including “humanist”, “secularist”, “naturalist”, “non-believer”, “skeptic” or even “agnostic” for those who prefer to classify themselves as doubters, but aren’t ready to fully declare their complete lack of belief.

Still others are divided over the degree to which it is acceptable to fight back against opposing viewpoints. Like any movement, atheism has both moderates and extremists.

In or Out of the Closet

Perhaps the strongest similarity between nudism and atheism – speaking for myself, anyway – is the willingness (or lack thereof) of people to be open about their beliefs and practices.

A significant portion of the atheist population fears being “outed” as non-believers – either they live in areas that a more religious and conservative, or have family and friends that are religious. They feel that any revelation of their atheism would cause irreparable damage to their relationships or careers – or both.

This dichotomy also exists in the nudist community. There are those who feel that all nudists should be out of the closet and proud, while others are mortified at the thought of anyone they know discovering that they’re a nudist.

Being both a nudist and an atheist has given me something of a unique perspective on this matter. I am very much out as an atheist – however, I am the exact opposite when it comes to my practice of nudism. I’ve never perceived any danger in being an open atheist. For the most part, my friends and family are either atheists or very liberal despite being religious.

But there is something about the display of the naked human body that seems to be one of the last great taboos in American society. And the association of nudity with sex is extremely strong. We know that not all nudists are atheists, and by the same token not all atheists are nudists. While I’m certain that many of my friends, family or coworkers wouldn’t think any less of me if they found out I’m a nudist, I can’t guarantee that everyone I know would be as accepting. As someone who is openly atheist, I may wish that ALL atheists would be out and vocal, but my experience as a nudist helps me understand and respect why they aren’t.

So, while there doesn’t seem to be any official poll out there regarding how the electorate would feel about voting for a nudist, don’t think for a minute that nudists (or atheists) can’t impact the electoral process.

Given how America’s nudity taboo is often attributed to the religiousness of its population, we were curious to find out how religious nudists are in general. So take this (anonymous) poll!

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Jewish Nudists

Jewish Nudists

Jewish religion and nudism have both been around for centuries. But what is the Jewish religion’s view on nudism?

First, it should be noted that there are different forms of Judaism, all of which share some basic beliefs. These forms are mystic Judaism, traditional Judaism, Reform and Humanistic Judaism (to name but a few). One of the basic beliefs that all of these forms share is in the ancient festival rituals, as well as the belief regarding the nature of God and humankind and the relationship between them.

As well as sharing common beliefs, the different forms of Judaism have their separate beliefs as well. And so it is regarding naturism. The most basic belief is that nudism is only acceptable when absolutely necessary, such as when taking a shower, during certain religious rituals or during sexual intimacy. Different Jewish cultures and traditions, as well as their interpretation of the Halakha, determines how much of one’s body must stay covered both in public and in private.

Jewish Nudist

Those who practice strict orthodox Judaism believe that the body should be covered and afford limited viewing by others, including one’s spouse. They follow the laws of Tznius, which means modesty. Women cover their bodies between elbows and knees, and married women cover their heads. Men must all cover upper arms, collarbones, legs and hair. Some still follow the Code of Law in the Hulchan setting forth that when using the bathroom, one must expose as little of their body as possible, and that they change before and after bed under the covers. They also believe that although both husband and wife must be naked during sex, the act must be completed under the covers and in complete darkness.

Seemingly contrary to the belief in covering one’s body, a ritual bath called “mikvaot” is practiced in some Jewish communities. All clothing, bandages and jewelry are removed before the person is submerged completely in water.

On the other hand, while not condoning nudism, more liberal Jews leave the decision up to each person.

However, there is a form of Judaism called Jewish Ascetic Nudism which embraces nude ascetic Jewish rituals. Those who practice this form of Judaism come from varied backgrounds and include those who are traditional to those who are liberal. It is felt that Ascetic Nudism is a spiritual path that is rich and rewarding. It is believed that by removing clothing during observance of rituals that they are acknowledging their wholeness as a living being that has already been blessed by God and not needing anything else to survive on this earth.

Michael Satlow wrote an article in the “Journal of Biblical Literature” wherein he sets forth the reluctance of Jewish men to be naked. He further discusses a Jewish law which states, “A woman who goes outside with even her head uncovered or garments ripped can be divorced… all the more so if she attends a bathhouse in which there are men.” Although there are different forms of Judaism with varied beliefs regarding nudism, it is obvious that the majority still believe in modesty.

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Nakedness And the Bible

Novel by: Paul M Bowman. Ferndale: Amnity 2001.

Biblical Nudity - The book “Nakedness and the Bible” does not claim to be a defense of naturism; it just claims to be an explanation of what the Bible says on both sides of this issue. For some time, people have used the Bible in an attempt to say that naturism is outside God’s law and should not be practiced by Christians. Various people within the nudist movement have praised the book including im-ok-naked.com.  Like them, I add my approval to this work.

The author, Paul M. Bowman, mentions the account of what is termed the fall of man, when Adam and Eve decided to willfully disobey God and sin. The one problem that I have with this book is that is doesn’t treat Adam and Eve as though they were real people. Since the Bible and its relationship to nudity are being discussed here, we are going to assume that the Bible is a true document. The veracity of the Bible is a different topic completely, but he goes on to state how God deals with the Adam and Eve after they sinned. He deals with how the nudity has been dealt with throughout the history of the church, yet the author writes that the anti-nudity message that the church has now been due to a result of the 400 years of an anti-sexual message.

When the Bible is examined for what it has to say about the body a clear message is sent about it being pro-nudity, if it must be termed that, because nakedness wasn’t an issue for them as it is for us today. They took baths in the river and ripped their clothing as a sign of grief; that was what they did. The conclusion that this author reaches is that whenever nakedness is shown as sinful, another sin is present (that explains Noah, Lot, David etc.). In fact, the author even says that public nakedness is ok by God, due to the fact that God commanded Isaiah to go naked. (Isa 20:2) That completely destroys the shame argument. God only mandated clothing for the priests while in the act of worship. (Exo 28:40-3).

What one can learn by reading the book is that there are very few direct references to nakedness in the New Testament; Matthew 25 is one of them. Jesus is talking about having enough clothing to make that choice whether or not to wear clothing. In Romans 8, verses 38-9, nakedness is found among other states of existence and the context is dealing with things that can separate us from the love of God.

The most interesting portion of this book was where the author dealt with verses that Christians attempt to apply to nakedness like 1Thes 5:22, causing another to stumble and 1 Timothy 2:9. One thing that amazed me was when the author mentioned how clothing has been associated with shame just as nudity has been commonly portrayed while giving numerous Bible verses to support his assertion. In the end, I find this book to be a fascinating read that allows naturists to be able to support their beliefs and rest in the fact that we can give an answer for the hope that we have.

Biblical Nudity

Young Naturists And Nudists America YNA

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Nudism In The Bible - As with many stories, there is a background. The background story of Genesis 3 includes the 6-day literal creation as described in Genesis 1 and 2 and the fall of Lucifer from heaven as recorded in Ezekiel 28:12-17. To get an accurate understanding as to why Lucifer fell, read Isaiah 14:12-14. God gave Adam 3 commands, not just one which is the following:

1) “Multiply and fill the earth and subdue it.
2) “Be masters over the fish and birds and all the animals.” Genesis 1:28
3) “You may freely eat any fruit in the garden except fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat of its fruit, you will surely die.” Genesis 2:16, 17.

So grab your Bible and let us study this crucial event in human history.

Adam and Eve by Titian

Standing before the tree (verses 1-5)
Satan tries to corrupt the best part of God’s creation. Satan misquoted God by adding to it; but the question was phrased only to get the woman talking. The woman corrects the serpent; she speaks 100% truth here. However, she does not finish speaking in v. 2 and she continues in verse 3. In verse 3, she misquotes the command by changing the word ‘eat’ to the word ‘touch’. By doing so, she fails to uphold the Word. Her misquote only allowed her to disobey it wholesale later because SHE made it harder to follow through here sense of confusion.

The next statement, satan’s words were false but Adam and the woman could not detect it until later, because they did not die physically until at least 930 yrs after creation. First they died spiritually while not knowing what death was. Yes they had heard of it, but they still did not know nor did they have the need.

Every word until the first comma is pure truth; their eyes opened but they would not be like God. However, the rest of the verse is 100% untruth. Even though the rest of the verse is a lie, it remains with us today as the ground floor of the other worldview and religion called “humanism”.

Eating the fruit and immediate its consequences (verses 6-13)
The woman starts “humanism”. There was only one thing different about this tree which easily explains why God did not want them to eat from it according to Genesis 2:9. God never intended for there to be such a thing as wisdom apart from Him. She accepted the lie satan told. Try to understand that satan always wanted to be God, but none of his rebellions worked nor will any rebellions succeed in the future. The first time he tried he fell like lighting from heaven & took 1/3 of the angels with him (Luke 10:18). Adam was a coward; he was standing right there yet did nothing.

The Fall of Man by Hendrik Goltzius

There are only three references to nakedness in this chapter; verse 7 is the first. Adam and the woman realize that of the three commands given they have failed at keeping two of them. The only one that they could still keep dealt with reproduction. It reminded them too much of the commands that they had broken, so they covered up. Yes they felt shame at their nakedness, but only because they directly disobeyed God. It is not just enough to try to and return to normal. Adam and the woman hide from the omnipresent God. God wanted to fellowship with them; but they wanted not to be with Him because they sinned.

In verse 9, God gives Adam a chance to come clean and confess. However, it is a rhetorical question because God knew where Adam was. He gave Adam a chance to confess what he did before it was pulled out of him.

Adam deflected to a side issue (nudity) because he did not want to face the truth of what he did. Note that Adam brings up the issue because He felt it was a problem which is seen in his actions by saying he felt it was a problem. He probably felt that if he could get on the side issue rather then the issue of the fruit pertaining to what he did. Adam lies in verse 10. Yes Adam was afraid, but it was not because he was naked. He was afraid of what he did; afraid of what would happen to him because he broke God’s law. Gen 2:25 says naked & unashamed. The only thing that happened was they had directly disobeyed God’s Word. Note that more people were not on the earth; nor would Adam and the woman notice any imperfections because they were the first humans.

God speaks and asks Adam 2 questions. Adam answers the second question; however, his answer to the first would have been something like “I did, I told myself that I was unclothed. Then I felt something called guilt and shame after I sinned so I clothed myself. I felt the need to exercise my “right” to privacy.” The fact that God asks Adam the question means that He did not intend for Adam to wear clothing.

Adam’s response to the second question is this verse. Note the first thing to depart from his lips is not ”I’m sorry, please forgive me.” Adam instead decides to continue abdicating and blame the woman. Then Adam gives his confession ”I ate.’’

The woman, like Adam, does not take responsibility for her sin and says the serpent deceived her. Then comes her confession ”I ate.”

The long-term consequences (verses 14-24)
God begins handing out punishments in this verse. The first to receive is the serpent. From the serpent’s punishment, we can tell that snakes were not always on their bellies. Snakes probably stood upright. A point of interest is in verse 14 where it says, “You shall eat dust all the days of your life.” One interesting lesson about snakes is they have an organ in their bodies called the Jacobson’s organ which allows them to take in dust so they can sense where prey is.

Adam and Eve with their sons Cain and Abel

Continuing consequence: snakes and all other wild animals would get their fear of man after the flood (Genesis 9:2).
God announced the punishment for satan. After the fall, satan tried to destroy the line from which Jesus Christ was to come. God gives Adam and the woman hope in this verse because He promised a redeemer.

God announced the punishment for satan. After the fall, satan tried to destroy the line from which Jesus Christ was to come. God gives Adam and the woman hope in this verse because He promised a redeemer. The woman receives her punishment. She and all women after her would have much pain in childbirth. This includes things feelings like morning sickness and all the negative symptoms and complications associated with being pregnant. “Because you abdicated authority, the ground is cursed”. Adam chose to listen to his wife, instead of the Almighty God. Man would have to work the ground in order to receive food. The ground would do something for man. Though it would not be good, it would give us prickly things on plants called thorns and prickly herbs called thistles. Adam would have to work to get the desired food from the ground instead of eating of the trees as God intended in Eden.

The woman receives her punishment. She and all women after her would have much pain in childbirth. This includes things like morning sickness and all the negative symptoms of being pregnant. This verse also implies that the woman started feminism where it says, ”Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.” God was punishing the woman for not deferring to Adam’s authority. The curse for Adam is pronounced. Because you abdicated authority, the ground is cursed. He chose to listen to his wife, instead of the Almighty God. Man would have to work the ground in order to receive food. The ground would do something for man. Though it would not be good, it would give us prickly things on plants called thorns and prickly herbs called thistles. Adam would have to work to get the desired food from the ground instead of eating of the trees as God intended in Eden. God then gives Adam and the woman a news flash: ”You are but dust and because my simple command was disobeyed you will decompose unto that once again.”

Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise by Masaccio

Adam finishes the task he started in Ch 2. He does this by naming his wife Eve. In verse 21, God mercifully provides coats of skin for Adam and Eve. People view the slaughtering of the animal as God’s start of the sacrificial system for ancient Israel because something died to cover their sin. That may be the case but, for right now the clothing that Adam and Eve wore was purely for physical protection and for no other purpose. This would also protect Adam and the woman from the thorns & thistles that God placed in the ground in v.18. Adam did become somewhat like God; but his perception of good and evil was not complete so he did not see things like God saw them. Hence after the fall, Adam saw his body as shameful; even while God did not say the body was evil after the fall. This verse also contains the first lifespan cap we cannot live eternally on this earth. The second lifespan cap is 120 yrs as pronounced in Gen 6:3.

The final consequence of the fall is Adam and Eve had to leave the garden. Adam had to start farming. God then placed angels to guard the entrance to Eden. A flaming sword guarded the tree of life. It would keep people from entering Eden before the flood. Today our first problem, before entering the garden is to locate it conclusively on a map. Noah’s flood was so destructive that Eden’s exact location will remain a mystery. Noah’s flood is a very interesting event, but that is a completely different story.

 Nudism In The Bible

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Naturism in Heaven

Naked Heaven - Naturism may be the earthy example to a heavenly future; in fact, I believe that it is imminent. Consider the truth that God did not give Adam and Eve clothing until after He placed thorns and thistles in the ground. Note that at no time did God condemn Adam and Eve being naked; He gave them coats of skin, so the earth would not hurt their physical bodies while working the ground to get something to eat.

When God created man, he created him naked; this is because the body can perform its functions the best when we are naked. Symbolically, humans were without sin when God created them and they remained without sin until chapter 3 of Genesis. When God creates for us a new heaven and a new earth, there will be no more curse (Rev 22:3). God did not condemn Adam and Eve for being nude; they condemned themselves and this was the reason for the excuse that Adam gave God when asked where he was (Gen 3:11). If the reason that God gave us clothes was to deal with the curse, then when the curse is wiped away, we will no longer have a need for clothing.

Modesty and shame are the reasons why many people may believe that we will need clothes in heaven. People who believe this often point to the scripture 1 Timothy 2:9 as support for their belief. They interpret this scripture to mean that Paul says we should appear modest and by extension we cannot show all parts of our God-created bodies to the world. However, in all actuality by definition, to be modest is to be showy or boastful. Modesty has to do with behavior, actions and the intent behind those actions, not with clothing. In context this verse deals with places of worship, which Paul explicitly says in verse 8. “In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy” (1 Tim 2:8, NLTSE).

Some people may contend that both Aaron and others at that time had to wear certain garments so that their nakedness would be not visible. The problem with that approach is, in context, those scriptures are speaking about worship. Both examples used dealt with worship and I agree with Nathan that in this passage, Paul was focusing more on people overdressing not under-dressing because people in that time were more comfortable being naked. This may be due to the technology of that era since people did not have the ability to mass-produce clothing as we do today. To avoid damage to their clothes they took their clothes off when they worked just as Peter did (John 21:7) and the gardeners of that time (Matt 24:18). So we should understand that people wanted to experience nudity back then just as others want to experience nudity in certain circumstances today in certain European beaches and unofficial clothing optional beaches in the US.

Few people actually think about nudity in Heaven or on the New Earth. Since we will not have any shame in Heaven and if we are to return to Eden (as seen in many uses of the phrase) we can be assured that we will have the choice to go without clothing because we know that our bodies perform the best as God created them.

After reading a book called Heaven by Randy Alcorn, John is depicting people as wearing garments to which they were accustomed on earth, which leads me to believe that this is the way our after life will be. Now if we were accustomed to nudity on earth and being naked was not condemned during the fall, then we should be expected to be naked on the new Earth at least some of the time. The Bible states in several places that we will have redeemed bodies (2 Cor 5:3 and Rom 8:23); this means that we will have new bodies on the redeemed earth and will no longer have a need for clothing.

The initial purpose of clothing was to protect us from the thorn and thistle that God placed in the ground. After the Noah’s flood, the purpose of clothing, I believe, was extended to protect us from our environment, because we would have to deal with hazardous weather conditions. For an excellent resource on the impact of Noah’s flood and how it shaped our world read The Biblical Basis for Modern Science by Henry M. Morris. In conclusion, without the curses of Genesis 3 or weather conditions from which we will need to protect ourselves, there really will be no need for clothing; although we could wear them if we so desired.

Scripture References:

Genesis 3

Revelations 22:3

Genesis 3:11

I Timothy 2:8-9

John 21:7

Matthew 24:18

II Corinthians 5:3

Romans 8:23

Naked Heaven

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Christian Nudist

Christian Nudist - This is not exactly a confession in the traditional sense, since I believe what I have to tell is not a sin, although it is controversial.  I am a nudist.  I have not engaged in unlawful sex, nor have I suddenly become perverted in my desires.  I do this because it is neither sexual nor sinful and there are benefits to be gained.

Some years ago, I was surfing the Web and stumbled upon a Christian nudist website.  I was intrigued enough to explore it and read their statement of faith, and was surprised to find that in nearly every particular it matched orthodox Christianity.  The one exception was the last section, a brief statement that they believed the naked human being was good and nudity was not forbidden in the Bible.

Well, I have long believed in studying the Bible for myself rather than blindly accepting the doctrines of any one denomination.  So I searched the Scriptures, and was surprised to find what the Bible said about nakedness, or rather, what it didn’t say.

I restudied Genesis 2 and 3.  Of course, Adam and Eve were creaked naked and unashamed in the Garden; but it is usually assumed that God somehow changed His mind after our father and mother ate the Fruit.  But the text doesn’t support that assumption.  When Adam said, trying to justify himself, “I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked,” God replied, “Who told thee that thou was naked?”  (3:10,11)  Then, when it became apparent that they had disobeyed Him and were not repentant, He cursed them and the serpent who tempted them; but clothing was not part of that curse.  It is not told why the Lord “made coats of skins” for Adam and Eve (vs. 21).

The best speculation I have read about this was that it was to protect the humans against a new, harsher environment, and that it was the first blood sacrifice, a foretaste of the ultimate sacrifice of God’s Son.  Nowhere in Genesis 1-3 is there even an implication that God declared human bodies shameful.

Nor is there any subsequent commandment forbidding nudity in all circumstances.  The book of Exodus details how priests were to wear linen breeches (ch. 28:42,43) lest their nakedness be seen when they do sacrifices; but I was unable to find any other law regarding this.  On the other hand is the story of King Saul, who went down to Samuel’s and David’s hideout to try to capture David.

“And the Spirit of God was upon him also…And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night.”  (I Samuel 19:23,24)  The ancient author or authors seemed more surprised that Saul prophesied than at his nakedness; apparently it was acceptable, even common, to prophesy in the nude.  The saying was not “Is Saul also naked?” but rather, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”  (vs. 24)

Perhaps the most interesting passage I found is Isaiah 20. There God commanded the prophet to

“Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot.  And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.” (vs. 2)

Then, after three years, the Lord explained to Israel that this was a symbol of Egypt’s and Ethiopia’s shameful captivity at Assyria’s hands.  Now, does God ever command a sinful act?

I also found that in at least one instance our Lord Jesus was casual about nudity.

At the Last Supper “He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.  After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.”  (John 13:4-5.)  Most modern translations specify “outer garments,” but the old King James Version, following the Greek, simply says “garments.”

Granted, probably only the Twelve were in the room, but any maidservant might have come in.  (He would also have been crucified in the nude, but that was not strictly His doing.)  Nor was Peter rebuked for fishing in the nude in John 21.  (Again, most modern translations don’t indicate complete nudity, but the Greek and KJV do.)

I was also surprised to learn of the well-documented practice of baptism in the nude.  For about the first five centuries A.D., candidates would take off all their garments, be baptized, then receive white robes.  It was also common for Christians to visit public baths.  If these practices were sinful, why is the New Testament silent about them?

So I concluded that the Bible does not condemn social nudity, at least not in all circumstances.

After this, I did more online searching, this time seeking out nudist sites.  Now, the most common reason given today against nakedness is that it will lead to all kinds of sexual immorality.  But the nudists tell a different tale.

Nearly without exception, nudists and naturists (the terms are interchangeable) say that their social nudity is neither about sex nor sexual in nature.  Story after story tells how quickly one becomes accustomed to the feeling of one’s own nakedness and able to look at other naked bodies without erotic arousal.  In fact, several reported healing from addiction to sexual perversions or pornography.  (I did find exceptions, but it was obvious that the principals had issues or misconceptions.)  And most nudist organizations have strict policies regarding public sex and molestation.  Do it once, and you’re out.  Many groups even try to maintain a numeric balance between men and women, to make the women more comfortable.  (At public nude beaches, these things are much more difficult to enforce, and bad things happen.  But the nudist organizations soundly condemn such actions, and many forums discuss how to remove the sex fiends and perverts from these beaches.)

Yet even after this study, I still had to face the possibility that the nudists were either lying or in denial.  The only way I could be sure was to try it myself.  So I began to go naked in my own home, and quickly got comfortable with my own nudity.  I also looked through photo galleries on nudist websites to accustom my eyes and mind to the sight.  Since I was familiar with nudity in the visual arts, it didn’t take long.  Then, finally, in August 2003, I attended a nudist gathering.

It was all I expected.  No sex, no erotic movements, no propositions, no lying, no denial.  Within seconds I was entirely comfortable with my own nudity and seeing other naked humans in the flesh.  The people were as friendly as any of my brothers and sisters in Christ, although by no means all were Christians.  All the good things I had read are true.  I found, too, that my body was more relaxed than it ever is in clothing.

So I now consider myself a sometime nudist, while remaining a full-time Christian.  If I have erred, and someone can prove it to me from the Bible, I may reconsider.  But until I am convinced otherwise, I will continue to accept nudity as “true…honest…just…pure…lovely…of good report.”  (Philippians 4:8)

Christian Nudist

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Portrait of Adam & Eve by Lucas Cranach the Elder

Catholicism and Nudism - Current thinking within the Roman Catholic Church opposes the practice of nudism or naturism, as some practitioners prefer to call it, finding the practice in conflict with one of the key values of Catholicism, modesty. The Church traces this value back to a series of twelve desirable character traits listed in the biblical Book of Galatians. Modesty is viewed as a form of self-respect and respect for others with nudism a direct contradiction to these values. The importance of clothing can also be traced back to the biblical creation myth wherein God clothed Adam and Eve, the progenitors of humanity in this tradition, after they gained knowledge of good and evil through disobedience. The underlying principle here is that nudity is considered evil.

Historically, Catholic tolerance for nudity of any kind has waxed and waned. During the Renaissance Era, best remembered for the works of artists like Michelangelo, works of art and statuary depicting nude figures sometimes drew criticism from the Church hierarchy. In particular, the nudity depicted in the Sistine Chapel drew condemnation from Pope Adrian VI and other highly placed members of the clergy. The Pope wanted to see the images stripped completely; however, only a few images were altered in later years to conceal nude images in accordance with an official degree, associated with the Council of Trent in 1563, condemning the use of nudity in religious art.

Today, the Sistine Chapel is among the most visited and revered areas open to public viewing via the Vatican Museums. The artistic nudity depicted here is no longer a point of major contention. The museum, including the chapel, have become a source of revenue and positive public relations for the Church.

In the early twentieth century, some small-scale reversal was seen in policies toward nudity, including permission from the Abbe of a catholic college in France who encouraged nude sunbathing near Marseilles 1907. This example did not represent a change in church doctrine, but rather an exception to the general rule within the religious sphere. Even as naturism rose in popularity in society as a whole during this period, the movement was largely separate from the of religion, particularly traditional Catholicism.

In 1935, according to Time magazine, in speech just prior to Lent, Pope Pius XI declared specific condemnation of nudism as a form of paganism in addition to equating the practice with blasphemy. At the same time in US, the state legislature of New York made it illegal to show private parts in public, thus outlawing nudism. The law received widespread opposition from the public, especially humanists; however, the National Catholic Welfare Conference voiced their support of the anti-nudism provision. This organization as such no longer exists.

Again returning to modern day, the official stance by the Church is that nudism is immoral. However, nudists who are practicing Catholics continue to exist and even participate in naturist groups online where they self-disclose their religious affiliation. Essentially, Catholics continue to practice nudism and embrace nudity even without support or active tolerance from their religious organization or its hierarchy. A lively debate exists online over the topic without any sign of resolution in sight. The Church frequently voices its objections to festivals and events involving nudism, even in European countries as well as in the US.

Clip from National Geographic’s show “Taboo: Nudity,” featuring a group of Catholic nudists who worship in the nude. 

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From Buddhism to Nudism

nudist cartoons

“Who told you that you were naked?” This question from the Christian Bible has been written and rewritten for thousands of years in every Christian and Hebrew / Jewish Bible throughout time. In the book of Genesis, God asked Adam and Eve this simple question. Adam and Eve answered that it was the devil who told them that they were naked. Since the inception of this parable, the idea of being naked has been seen as an embarrassment, or a reason for people to feel ashamed of their bodies. It was a shift in thinking that being naked was no longer the most natural thing in the world. Adam and Eve only became ashamed after someone or something told them that it was not right. When religions throughout the ages have told people that it is unnatural to be naked in public, most people just took it as fact. In today’s age, exhibitionists are arrested on the spot for appearing naked in public. It is no wonder that there are now people who are raging against such a shift in thinking. Nudists are trying to bring the shift back to the times before Satan’s persuasion that nudity was wrong. Christian Nudists still believe that being naked is a natural thing since God was fine with it before Satan put his two cents in.

Buddha

 

Many Buddhists have become naturists, which is another name for nudists. Most Buddhists do not use religion as their reasons for wanting to walk around with out their clothes on. The idea of being nude is a natural way of life to them, no matter what the Bible or society says about it. Their way of thinking is more about freedom of speech and expression. To Buddhists, a society that says something so natural is wrong, is just another way to exert control over how people live their lives. Nudism is a way for Buddhists to say that they will not be bound by such oppressive narrow minded thinking. Being nude for many people is more normal to them than wearing clothes. They feel much freer when they are not so encumbered by clothes that remind them of the oppressive climate that started over two thousand years ago from one form of thought. Hindus in India still perform many skyclad rituals where the male is nude. Hinduism is one of the oldest religions that is still being taught in today’s world. It is the closest religion to true spirituality than any other religion. It is no surprise that this type of religion would see nudity as the perfect human state. It is the closest to God that most people can get because it shows the true spirit that lives inside of the human flesh. A spirit without fears, or embarrassment, or shame is a soul that has progressed beyond the human form, while still in the human body. To wear clothes on a person is like covering up the true spirit within. When a person dies and sheds their physical form, the spirit is naked in front of God, just as they were before entering the Earth’s plane. In the spirit world, spirits can walk around with or without clothes. There are no oppressive rules that spirits have to follow because they have returned back to their true selves.

Becoming a nudist is a way for a person to turn back into their true selves, which is the spirit who lives in confidence with whom they truly are underneath all of the facades. Jainism is another religion that teaches the soul to progress past the human way of thinking. To be oppressed is to stifle the freedom of the soul to reach divine consciousness. Oppression thwarts the souls path to their divine nature. Having the freedom to think for ones self is the path that opens the conscious mind to all sorts of spiritual experiences. Performing rituals in the nude is a right of passage to a greater path of knowledge. To perform the rituals in clothes, would take away from their true message. Wiccans performed most of their rituals in the nude due to the rite of passage rules of the witchcraft handbook, which stated that all rituals would be performed in the nude, in order to free themselves from their oppressors.

Islamics frown upon nudity in public. Their rules are stringent and binding when it comes to nudity. Islamic women are not allowed to show any parts of their skin when in public. They are to adhere to the clothing rules of being covered from head to toe with a scarf around their heads to cover their face. The same goes for men and children. Men do not have to dress from head to toe, but they are only to be seen naked in front of their wives while in the privacy of their own homes.

There are many clothing optional beaches where people are allowed to run around on the beach nude. People who show up in clothes due to embarrassment, soon start to feel more comfortable and they will shed their clothes. Nudists who inhabit nude beaches are trying to teach others about the value of being who they are without all of the encumbrances of societies rules. Appearing nude in public has nothing to do with sexual or lustful intentions. It is a way of life, and a freedom of expression. Nudists teach others how to be comfortable in each others presence by looking beyond the fact that the person is nude. People will start to feel a sense of belonging when they see that each person is the same underneath the clothes. Freedom without judgment is the perfect state that any person can find themselves in. When they challenge themselves by going against the grain, they are showing that they can rise above fear and persecution. They will have reached true spiritual enlightenment when they can live their lives without fear.

Sources:

Wikopedia on Naturism- http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naturism

Wikopedia on Skyclad Neopaganism- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skyclad_(Neopaganism)

Wikopedia on Jainism- http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainism

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Modesty is a must for Muslims – But are Muslim nudists breaking the religious laws of Islam?

Muslim man holding prayer beads — Image by © Corbis

Muslim Nudists / Islam and Nudism - Nudism is defined as the social practice of being nude. Islam is a religion in which modesty plays a critical role, and nudity is forbidden in most situations. Prophet Muhammad is reported to have instructed Muslims to cover and guard their private parts, only revealing them to their spouse. The Qur’an has specific instructions regarding exposed flesh and teaches Muslim women that their beauty is not to be shared with the world. According to Surah (chapter) 24 verse 31 of the Qur’an, when in public a Muslim woman should be covered from head to toe with only her face and hands visible. Muslim women are specifically instructed to cover their breasts. Muslim men must be covered from the navel to the knees and may not wear tight fitting, sheer, or form revealing clothing. Muslims believe that wearing revealing clothing inspires temptation which aids Satan in his quest to cause a person to sin. Also, Muslim women are taught to dress modestly for their own protection so that they may be free from fear of molestation. In addition, many Muslim women feel that by covering themselves, they can not be judged on their appearance. They believe this forces people to judge them by their intelligence and personality instead of their body shape or hair style.

Muslim Woman with Veiled Hair and Face — Image by © Corbis

When a Muslim is at home, clothing requirements are more relaxed, provided only immediate family is present. Immediate family is defined more specifically as men a Muslim woman can not marry due to being related, (such as her father, male siblings, male children, uncles, as well as her husband’s immediate male relatives) women, and small children who do not yet grasp the concept of sex. In such a situation, a Muslim woman may remove her head covering, called a hijab. She is allowed to show slightly more flesh, for example wearing a short sleeved shirt, but still may not wear anything too revealing, such as a low cut top or short skirt. Muslim men are still required to be covered from the navel to the knees.

There are very few situations during which a Muslim is permitted to be nude or semi-nude. One such situation is when a Muslim is with their spouse. A small number of people believe that a husband and wife should not be naked together even during sex. However, most Muslims agree that there is nothing in the Qur’an or the teachings of Prophet Muhammad that forbids being naked with your spouse. Another situation during which nudity is allowed is when a Muslim is when they are bathing in private. Islam promotes cleanliness and it would be very hard to shower with your clothing on. Lastly, as previously mentioned, a Muslim may be nude when absolutely medically necessary. Meaning that a Muslim should avoid being nude or semi-nude for medical evaluation or treatment, but if it can not be avoided, it is permitted. However, a Muslim woman should see a female doctor, and may only see a male doctor if a female doctor is unavailable.

Given this in depth look at Islam’s views on nudity, it is clear that a Muslim could never be a nudist, and naturism could never be a part of a Muslim’s life. Modesty is a cornerstone of the Islamic faith and can not be discarded. Islam and the concept of nudism are in direct opposition of one another and there is no middle ground on which a compromise might be reached. For a Muslim to participate in nudism would basically mean they are shunning their religion. In conclusion, based on the teachings of the Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad, it is safe to say that a Muslim would be horrified at even the thought of nudism and therefore would never consider the possibility.

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Are Christian Nudists Going Against The Bible?

Nudist Church

Christian Nudists - Christianity and Nudism  - According to this poll, the majority of Americans, 83% in fact, declare themselves to be Christians.  So where might Christianity and nudism come together in the U.S.?

First, a brief description of Christianity: Christianity first came to life early in the 1st century AD, and was largely based on Jesus of Nazareth. His performing of miracles, teachings, and subsequent crucifixion and resurrection promoted him as the son of God. Since its inception, Christianity has branched off into many forms, while still holding onto its original tenet- the belief that Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah. In Hebrew, Messiah means ‘anointed one’, whereas the Greek ‘Christos’ is where the English word Christ came from.

Christians have the belief that Jesus, also known as the Messiah, was conceived by God’s Holy Spirit on the Virgin Mary. It is also believed that he was anointed by God to be the savior, and that his coming fulfilled the prophecies in the Old Testament of the Bible. At the core of Christian belief in the Messiah is the idea that by believing in and accepting that through his death and resurrection, Jesus offered salvation, forgiveness, and a promise of eternal life. Many Christians also believe that Jesus is the incarnation of God, and that even though he became human, he did not sin. It is also written that he will come again onto the earth to finish fulfilling the prophecies. There is much more written about Jesus’ adulthood than his early life and especially just before his death. Christians believe that Jesus’ death and resurrection are the true basis of their beliefs, and that they are the most important events in history, so much so that they are remembered yearly with the celebration of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Christian churches tend to teach the New Testament and the story of Jesus’ resurrection with little or no variation, while other faiths regard it as more of a myth. Christians adopted a belief in the Trinity, or the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, which is in fact one being, and at the same time three distinct beings. There is a small faction of Christians who completely reject the belief in the Trinity, most notably Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Latter Day Saints. These two faiths have distinctly dissimilar views, not only from each other, but from the main body of Christians as a whole.

Is nudism a part of Christian beliefs or are Christian nudists going against the bible?

The practice of Nudism, or Naturism is a lifestyle choice. Nudism can be traced to Germany early in the twentieth century, but also has its roots in other sources, such as a return to nature and social equality. Christian nudists tend to cling to a common theme which follows that in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were not ashamed of seeing each other nude, but were in fact ashamed of having sinned by eating the forbidden fruit, and so in effect were trying to cover their shame with the fig leaves, not their bodies. There are many Christian naturist clubs in nearly every denomination, and they have no trouble reconciling their clothing-free lifestyle with worshiping God. They even promote that nowhere in the Bible does God condemn nudity. There are scriptures to support this, as in the New International version of the Bible:Genesis 2:25: “The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.” Another scripture from the same version of the Bible,Isaiah 20:3-4, states

“3 Then the LORD said, ‘Just as my servant Isaiah has gone stripped and barefoot for three years, as a sign and portent against Egypt and Cush, 4 so the king of Assyria will lead away stripped and barefoot the Egyptian captives and Cushite exiles, young and old, with buttocks bared—to Egypt’s shame.’” These verses do not endorse nudity nor attach shame to it; leaning more towards shaming their enemies by stripping them of their prestige, not by forcing them to go about naked. Clothing in Biblical times was worn for warmth or prestige, not to cover their bodies for fear of someone seeing them unclothed. There are many web sites devoted to Christian nudists & to the practice of Christian Naturism, and many that have clubs that allow you to be there in person, not merely online. Some of these sites strive too hard to point out that nudity is not something to be ashamed of according to the Bible, although there are scriptures where it is clearly inferred. Many naturist resorts will offer church services on their premises, where, of course, everyone is nude, but as for actual churches in the USA devoted to this practice there are very few. Of course, even in the Bible it is not really necessary to gather for worship in a building meant for that purpose, but merely to have a gathering place. It can be assumed that there are in fact churches intended for use by naturists.

Christian Nudists

and

Christianity and Nudism

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